That's What You Call a Reputation

Asuma's words made Tsukimi's heart sink. The composure in his eyes vanished.

He had set up surveillance on two fronts, watching both key locations day and night to nip the plot in the bud. He hadn't expected to be one move too late.

"What exactly happened? Where did you hear about it?"

Tsukimi pressed them at once, his expression turning grave.

He was certain no one had entered or left Danzo's Residence over the past day and night. He had seen no sign of anyone spreading rumors, either. By all rights, the news couldn't have gotten out.

Something was wrong!

Obito looked frantic as he hurried to explain. "I found out first! This morning, when I left the Clan Grounds, I ran into a few Jonin from my clan chatting. They kept talking about Sakumo."

"They said Sakumo ignored the village's rules, abandoned a top-secret mission, and harmed Konoha's interests. They said he didn't deserve the name White Fang!"

Obito's voice shook with anger, and he clenched his fists. "I wanted to argue with them, but this was urgent, and I didn't want to waste time. So I found Kakashi right away and called everyone here."

The others nodded in agreement.

Tsukimi glanced at Obito. Idiot Two had actually come through this time!

"We heard much the same thing," Asuma added, his face grim. "When Kurenai, Rin, and I came over this morning, plenty of Ninja on guard duty or patrol were talking about it. The rumor spread fast. In a single morning, it had already reached Ninja all over the village."

Rin bit her lip and added one detail. "I noticed the ordinary villagers didn't seem to know. The streets were as lively as ever, but no one there was discussing it."

Kakashi took a deep breath and forced